Offering lessons, trail rides, after-school programs, kids parties, pony rides, summer camp and private boarding, New York Equestrian Center is a state-of-the-art indoor riding facility that is open year round. It is located on Eagle Avenue in West Hempstead, just off the Southern State Parkway (Exit 18) and steps away from the 775-acre, scenic Hempstead Lake State Park.
Owner Alex Jacobson purchased the historic horse ranch, originally built in the 1920's, in 2006, and changed the name to Lakewood Stables. Then, in April 2011, he demolished the dilapidated barns and spent the next 16 months erecting the New York Equestrian Center in its place, while perserving some of the stable's past.
The new energy-efficient, climate-controlled facility contains a 30,000 sq. ft. indoor riding arena lined with a top-quality, dust-free synthetic blend. It has a 3,000 sq. ft. mezzannine that seats 99 and hosts a variety of shows.
The horses enjoy cushioned rubber pavers throughout the rest of the facility and new stalls, which are 8-feet high and come in two sizes (10 by 10 and 12 by 12) contain cushioned floors, automatic water dispensers with heaters, anti-cribbing railings, private fans and tack boxes with locks, windows and some even have thier own paddocks.
NYEC also owns 23-plus acres of property upstate in Anton, New York, which has riding rings, pastures and a 15,000 sq. ft. barn. It serves as a place for training, retirement, rehabiliation and for horses to just stretch their legs, run and relax.
